BUGTIME ADVENTURES
"Not To Bee"
(The Story of Esther)

SCRIPT #3

LOG LINE: We all have a God-given purpose

Written By:
Troy Schmidt

This script is not for distribution, publication, duplication or reproduction in any form or by any means.  Unauthorized distribution, publication, duplication or reproduction is strictly prohibited.
©2001 Santa Fe Communications, Inc., d.b.a. Lightning Bug Flix.

BUGTIME ADVENTURES
"Not To Bee" 
SCRIPT #3

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

INSECT CHARACTERS

ANTONI
MEGAN
IGGY	
GINA
DEX
MAYOR GREEN
WEBSTER
PRISSY
RODERICK
WALLY
SPUD
BUZZRA				A two-faced, power hungry bee.
SPIDER				A frightening, deadly spider.
BEE GANG MEMBERS 1, 2, 3	Tough biker types.
BEE GANG				Grumblings and evil laughs only.
BEE GUARDS				Like other bees, but guard King

HUMAN CHARACTERS

ESTHER				Beautiful, young queen.
KING XERXES			Firm, hard-line Persian king.
MORDECAI				Wise and stubborn Hebrew man.
HAAMAN					Vindictive, backstabbing.
PEASANT WOMAN			Desperate, panicked beggar.
TWO GUARDS				Tough.  No nonsense.
SERVANT GIRL
SERVANT MAN

BUGTIME ADVENTURES
"Not To Bee" 
SCRIPT #3

ACT ONE

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - CITY - DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT of a powerful, lush palace and its mighty gates.  SLOW PUSH into the palace.

1. NARRATOR (V.O.)
Long ago, the Hebrew people were taken from their home in Jerusalem and forced to live in a foreign land called Persia.  King Xerxes was the King of the land and one day he took a humble Hebrew girl named Esther to be his queen.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - GARDEN - DAY
WIDE ON ESTHER GARDEN
Esther walks through the garden, examining the flowers. SLOW PUSH IN.
2. NARRATOR (V.O.)
But little did she know that her royal position would mean that she would one day have to risk her life to save her people.  This is the story of Queen Esther.

She looks to the other side of the garden as royal TRUMPETS announce the King’s arrival.  

ANGLE ON GARDEN ENTRANCE
King Xerxes and his caravan enter.  Xerxes is carried on a covered, ornate "stretcher" by FOUR SERVANTS and escorted by TWO GUARDS.  Behind him is HAAMAN, riding a horse.

ANGLE ON GARDEN
The caravan lowers, allowing Xerxes to step off.  He enters the Palace.  MORDECAI, a middle aged Hebrew bows respectfully as the King passes.

WIDE ON MORDECAI/HAAMAN/SERVANTS
Haaman rides up to Mordecai who is standing while the servants are bowed down.  The horse is spooked and unsteady.

3. HAAMAN
Aren't you forgetting something, Hebrew?

ANGLE ON MORDECAI/SERVANT MAN
Looking to bowing Servant, then realizing.  He bows too.

4. MORDECAI
Oh. Yes, yes.  I forgot I was in the presence of so great a stallion.

ANGLE ON ESTHER
Stifling a laugh, with her hand.

5. esther
(soft giggle)

ANGLE ON HAAMAN
Steaming, while trying to control the horse.

6. HAAMAN
Not my horse.  Me!  I'm the king's advisor!  For years, Mordecai, you have refused to bow to me.  Soon, I will not only punish you, but all of your people as well.  There’s a proclamation already in place --- 

ANGLE ON THE HORSE
As he rears back, WHINNYING!

ANGLE ON HAAMAN
Scared and falling backwards.

7. HAAMAN (cont)
Ahhhhhhh! (impact)

An offscreen THUD.

ANGLE ON esther 
Esther walks over towards Mordecai.  She laughs at Haaman, but behind her hand.

8. esther
(soft laughter)

ANGLE ON GARDEN ENTRANCE
A PEASANT WOMAN runs into the garden.

ANGLE ON PEASANT
Running into the palace, past the Two Guards who give chase.

CUT TO:

INT. PERSIA - PALACE - THRONE ROOM - DAY

ANGLE ON PEASANT woman
Entering the Throne room, where Xerxes sits, and falling to her knees.  The TWO GUARDS appear behind her.

9. PEASANT woman
O, most merciful king!  I need your help!

ANGLE ON XERXES
Infuriated, as he turns.

10. KING XERXES
What?  Who dares enter my presence without me first calling him?

ANGLE ON PEASANT MAN

11. PEASANT woMAN
Forgive me, but it's my family!  We need food desperately!  Please, help us!

ANGLE ON XERXES
Pausing before answering, then smiling.

12. KING XERXES
I will gladly help your family.  Let's start with one less mouth to feed.  TAKE HER AWAY!

ANGLE ON PEASANT woMAN AND HAAMAN
Stunned as the Two Guards drag her off, past Haaman who smiles approvingly.

CUT TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - GARDEN - DAY
The peasant SOBS as she passes Mordecai who has now been joined by Esther.  She is disturbed by this action.

12-a.	peasant woman
(sobs)

13. ESTHER
These rules, Uncle Mordecai, they seem so unfair.

14. MORDECAI
Esther, Persian kings demand respect.  One can't just enter his presence like that.  You must be invited.  You know that.

15. ESTHER
All too well.  It's not easy being married to the king.

SHIFT PERSPECTIVE to ANTONI, MEGAN and the BUG KIDS in our MICROWORLD on a rock in the garden.

ANGLE ON ROCK
Sitting perched over the hard edge of a large rock in the garden is an apple and a grape.  They both hang halfway over the edge, but a small stick sits under each, keeping them from falling.  The split end of a string is attached to the sticks and the other end is attached to a loose rock.  Antoni stands by the loose rock while Megan addresses the kids.

16. MEGAN
Class, Mr. Antoni has prepared a science experiment to answer this question, which will hit the ground first?  The apple or the grape?  Ready, Mr. Antoni? 

ANGLE ON ANTONI
Crossing to the loose rock tied to a string, resting on the edge of the large rock.

17. ANTONI
You got it, Megan. (effort) Uh oh!

Antoni pushes, with all of his might, the loose rock.  It falls off the edge.

ANGLE ON THE STRING/ANTONI
Reveal that the uncoiling string is wrapped around Antoni's leg.

WIDE ANGLE ON ANTONI
As he is pulled off screen.

18. ANTONI (cont)
Ahhhhh! (impact)

OFF SCREEN: CRASH!

ANGLE ON ANTONI
As he begins to pull himself up off the ground with the string still caught around his leg.  He begins to pull his leg trying to untangle the string.

ANGLE ON STICK HOLDING UP GRAPE 
Reveal that the string is pulled taut and pulls away the stick causing the grape to fall over the edge. (Note that the stick holding up the apple remains in place.)

ANGLE ON ANTONI
As he is trying to untie the string from his leg the grape falls on him.

SFX: SPLAT! 

ANGLE ON MEGAN AND CLASS
Peering over the edge.

18-a.	bug kids
(ad lib: Uh oh!)

19. MEGAN
And the answer is...(chuckling) Antoni will hit the ground first.

20. BUZZRA (O.S.)
Heeeeeeeelllp meeeee!

Megan looks off screen.

ANGLE ON PLANT/SPIDER WEB
A spider web is hanging between some nearby plants.  Caught in the web is BUZZRA, panicking and trying to get free.

21. BUZZRA (cont)
Someone help me!

ANGLE ON SPIDER
A menacing, saliva-dripping SPIDER makes his way toward the camera.

CLOSE ON BUZZRA
Seeing the spider closing in.

22. BUZZRA (cont)
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

ANGLE ON MEGAN
Responding to the cry, she grabs a long coil of extra string off the ground and ties one end of this string to the stem of the apple. She throws the other end of the string up and over a nearby branch, catching it as it comes down.  She then ties this end of the string around her waist.

23. MEGAN
Wait here, kids.

ANGLE ON MEGAN FOLLOWING
Megan runs across the rock.  She leaps off the edge.

24. megan (cont)
(leaps, leaps again, lands)

ANGLE ON PLANT
Megan slides down a thick leaf, then leaps off as the leaf ends.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA IN WEB
Megan lands in the web next to Buzzra.  She holds out the string.

25. megan (cont)
Hold on! 

ANGLE ON SPIDER IN THE WEB
The spider closes in.

ANGLE ON MEGAN/BUZZRA

26. MEGAN (CONT)
Antoni!  Release the apple!

ANGLE ON ROCK EDGE
Antoni, dazed and gooey with grape guts, climbs back up the rock.  He hears Megan.

27. MEGAN (O.S. / CONT)
The apple!  Antoni!

ANGLE ON ANTONI AND STICK PERCHED UNDER APPLE
Antoni yanks the string away causing it to pull the stick away from the apple.  The apple falls and the string attached to the stem follows.

ANGLE ON WEB
The string goes taut, yanking Megan and Buzzra away just as the spider closes in.

ANGLE IN THE AIR
As Megan and Buzzra are pulled through the air.

ANGLE ON ROCK
As Megan and Buzzra skid across the large rock's surface, right to the feet of Antoni.

27-a.	bug kids
(cheers)

ANGLE ON MEGAN/BUZZRA
Megan and Buzzra lay in a heap.  Megan turns to Buzzra.

28. MEGAN
Are you okay?

29. BUZZRA
(stunned) I...I...guess so.

30. MEGAN
Let’s take you to our town, to make sure you’re not injured.

CLOSE ON BUZZRA
Curious, now planning.

31. BUZZRA
Oh ... You bugs have a town?

CLOSE ON MEGAN

32. MEGAN
Yes, Buggelsville.  It's right near here...by the palace wall.

CLOSE ON BUZZRA
Suddenly in pain, exaggerated.

33. BUZZRA
(faking it) Oh.  You know, I think my wing is starting to hurt.  Oooo ooo the pain!  The pain! (faints)

Buzzra passes out.

ANGLE ON ANTONI

34. ANTONI
Emergency, kids.  Let's get him to Buggelsville.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA/KIDS
The Kid Ants lift Buzzra in the air and carry him off.

34-a. kid bugs
(quiet walla)

CLOSE ON BUZZRA
Buzzra peers out with one eye.  His ruse is working.  He returns to his passed out state.

36.	BUZZRA
(to himself) This plan is perfect!

CUT TO:
EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - STREETS - DAY
Busy streets.  Mordecai walking through market.

ANGLE ON GUARD AT DOOR
A Guard nails a proclamation to the door.  A SMALL CROWD stretches to see the news.

ANGLE ON MORDECAI/CROWD
Mordecai slips through the crowd to the front.

38. crowd
(curious walla)

37. MORDECAI
What's all this?

ANGLE ON GUARD
As he finishes nailing the proclamation to the door.

39. GUARD
It's news from the King.  Finally, we can rid ourselves of those awful foreigners. (indignant sniffs)

Guard realizes who he is talking to, SNIFFS contemptuously, then walks off.  The crowd pushes in to read further.

ANGLE ON MORDECAI
At the front, reading the proclamation.

40. MORDECAI
“On the thirteenth day of the month of Adar...hereby granted by the King...ALL HEBREWS IN THE KINGDOM WILL BE TERMINATED!”

A few SCREAMS and GASPS from the crowd.
41. crowd
(gasps and cries)

42. MORDECAI 
Haaman! This is your doing!

ANGLE ON HAAMAN
Looking down from a window high up in the palace.  Haaman smiles and chuckles.

43. HAAMAN
(chuckles)

CUT TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - WALL - DAY

ANGLE ON BUGGELSVILLE ENTRANCE
MICRO WORLD: of the Kid Ants carrying Buzzra.  Antoni and Megan follow.

KID ANTS
A rock slides open revealing a secret entrance.  Everyone enters.

CUT TO:

INT. BUGGELSVILLE - SLIDE - DAY
As the Kid Ants carrying Buzzra slide down the spiral slide.  Antoni and Megan follow.

CUT TO:

INT. BUGGELSVILLE - STREETS - DAY
The Kid Ants with Buzzra, Antoni and Megan exit the slide and enter the streets.  

ANGLE ON WALLY
Gnawing on a root, seeing the newcomer.  His mouth full...

44. WALLY
(munching) Hey, we've got company!

EXT. ANTONI’S HOUSE
The Kid Ants head inside Antoni’s house with Buzzra. From all corners, our town congregates to see the newcomer.

45. bug citizens
[general walla]

INT. ANTONI’S HOUSE
Buzzra is laying unconscious on the couch.  

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
He opens an eye and looks around, then quickly shuts it.

ANGLE ON ANTONI/MEGAN/PRISSY/WEBSTER/SPUD
Looking inquisitively at their guest.

46. SPUD
Uh yes, what is, in fact, the essence of the quandary here? 
ON ANTONI
47. ANTONI
Megan saved this guy’s life.  She pulled him from the clutches of a bee -eating monster!

ON BUZZRA

Buzzra jumps to life, frightening all.

48. BUZZRA
That's right.

ANGLE ON ANTONI/MEGAN/PRISSY/WEBSTER/SPUD/IGGY
All jump back, surprised.

49. mayor green / antoni / megan / prissy / iggy
(startled)

ANGLE ON BUZZRA

50. BUZZRA
Hi everyone.  Name's Buzzra.

He walks toward the door to look at the town.

51. BUZZRA (CONT)
Say, nice town you’ve got here.

EXT. ANTONI’S HOUSE
Buzzra walks outside, followed by the other bugs.

ANGLE ON WEBSTER
Steps forward, extending six hands.

52. WEBSTER
Welcome to Buggelsville.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA AND MEGAN
Jumping back in horror and landing in Megan's arms.

53. BUZZRA
A spider!  Ahhhhhh!

54. kid bugs
(giggle)

55. BUZZRA
(suddenly angry – to kids) What’s so funny, you brats --- ya (nervous chuckle) ya kids?

56. MEGAN
That's just Webster.  He's okay.

Buzzra hops out of Megan's arms, a little reluctant and backing away.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
57. BUZZRA
Yeah. Alright, uh, sure.

58. BUZZRA (cont)
(clears throat) As I was saying, nice place you got here.

POV BUZZRA OF BUGGELSVILLE
PANNING across Buggelsville, a happy, vibrant town.

59. BUZZRA (V.O. / CONT)
Underground, adequate food source, well hidden from attack -- ideal.

60. MAYOR GREEN (V.O.)
Why yes, we like it here.  It’s a safe and comfortable place for us.

WIDE ON MAYOR GREEN/GINA/SPUD/PRISSY
All looking to one another wondering what he's talking about.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
Lost in thought then snaps out of it.

61. BUZZRA
Well, I think this is cause for a celebration.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA AND MEGAN
Buzzra schmoozes and slides up to Megan.

62. BUZZRA (CONT)
Since Megan has saved my life, and all of you have been so kind to me, I want to throw her and Buggelsville a party.  What do you say?

ANGLE ON MAYOR GREEN/GINA/SPUD/PRISSY
Their suspicion turns to excitement.

63. mayor green
I say a party for our brave Megan is a real good idea.

64. BUG CITIZENS
That would be fun! / You bet!  (agreeing walla)

ANGLE ON MEGAN

65. MEGAN
(embarrassed) Buzzra, you don't have to do that...

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
Crossing to exit.

66. BUZZRA
You deserve it Megan.  Well, got to start getting things together and, oh, would it be okay if I bring some friends?  
on mayor green
67. Mayor green
(chuckle) Yes indeedy, the more the merrier!

68. BUZZRA
See ya later!

He flies up and out the slide entrance.
ANGLE ON ALL

69. PRISSY
Well...y'all, I guess we're going to have us some company!

70. BUG citizens / wally / iggy
(ad lib yells & cheers)

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - GARDEN - DAY
Esther sits on a bench, deeply troubled.  Servant Girl leans in with a drink on a silver tray.  Esther turns away.  Servant Girl exits.

ANGLE ON MICROWORLD GARDEN
Megan pulls on a flower, trying to pick it.  Finally it releases sending Megan flying off screen.

ANGLE ON MEGAN
As she loads the flower on her back.

ANGLE ON MACROWORLD GARDEN
Mordecai enters the courtyard, looking over his shoulder.

ANGLE ON ESTHER
Her head popping up, seeing her uncle.

71. ESTHER
Uncle Mordecai!

Mordecai shushes her.

72. MORDECAI
Shhhh.  Not so loud.  These are dangerous times for us.

CLOSE ON ESTHER

73. ESTHER
It's the work of Haaman.  He tricked the King into signing that decree to have all the Hebrews killed.

ANGLE ON MEGAN
Carrying the flower, she overhears the conversation.

ANGLE ON MORDECAI AND ESTHER

74. MORDECAI
And, Esther, that means you too.  You will not be spared from this execution just because you are the king's wife.  Remember, his word is law.  

ANGLE ON ESTHER CROSSING
To a rose bush.

75. ESTHER
There must be something we can do.

ANGLE ON MORDECAI
Sitting on the bench.

76. MORDECAI
You could go to the King and ask him not go through with this.  

ANGLE ON ESTHER
Stunned, while picking a rose.

77. ESTHER
Me?  But you know the King’s rule.  I can't just walk into the throne room uninvited.  He could have me killed!

ANGLE ON MORDECAI

78. MORDECAI
Either way, your life and the lives of our people are at risk.

Esther hangs her head.

79. ESTHER
Yes.  But what am I supposed to do?
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

EXT. BUGGELSVILLE - STREETS - DAY
The town busily prepares for the party. Megan crosses in the middle of it all with flowers on her back.

ANGLE ON MEGAN WALKING
As she passes Wally and Dex in a tug-of-war over a basket filled with berries.  Roderick stands between them.

80. wally / dex
(tug-of-war efforts)

81. WALLY
Say, why can't I eat any?  They’re for the party.

82. RODERICK
Because, my impatient, rotund friend, the party has not yet begun.

83. WALLY
Look, I'm here.  You're here.  The berries are here.  The party’s started!

The basket breaks sending both off screen.

84. wally / dex
(ad lib falling backwards out of frame)

ANGLE ON BERRIES
Rolling across the street.

ANGLE ON WEBSTER
Walking with a big cake.  Berries roll under his feet.

85. WEBSTER
(slipping) Whoaaa!

The cake goes flying.

ANGLE ON WALLY
Into Wally's mouth...whole.

86. wally
(gulps a cake)

ANGLE ON GINA
Exiting her General Store with a bowl of nuts.  She too slips on the berries, pecans go flying.

87. gina
(slipping) Whooaaa!

ANGLE ON WALLY
Pecans land in his mouth.

88. wally
(gulps pecans) mmm, Oh, that’s good.

WIDE ON STREET
The once organized party preparation is now chaos.

ANGLE ON WALLY/RODERICK/DEX
Dex lays on the ground, surrounded by loose berries.  Roderick shakes his head, standing over him.  Wally walks by.

89. RODERICK
Well, you might as well eat the berries now.

90. WALLY
Oh.  No thanks.  I'm kinda full.  Maybe later.

91. roderick
(steamed)OH!

ANGLE ON MEGAN
She deposits her flower in a bouquet of flowers.  She rolls her eyes at the mayhem, then walks off screen.

92. MEGAN
(calls) It’s okay, I’ll get more berries!

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - WALL - DAY
Megan exits the Buggelsville secret entrance.  As she is crossing the street, she hears a voice.

93. BUZZRA (O.S.)
The time has come for us to move into a new home.

94. BEE GANG
Yeahhhhhhh! (agreeing walla)

Megan listens, then searches for the source.

CUT TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - CONSTRUCTION AREA - DAY
Megan, foreground, peers over a mountain of dirt, revealing a construction area near the palace.  Buzzra, on a rock, addresses a swarm of 50 BEES, a mean, angry biker/pirate bunch with tattoos, eye patches, sunglasses, etc.  Buzzra's demeanor has changed.  No longer happy-go-lucky, he is more sinister.

95. BUZZRA
The giants destroyed our hive when they began expanding their palace. Now it’s our turn to use the same force on others.  Buggelsville will be ours!

96. BEE GANG
Yeah, errrrrr, you said it, arrggghh! (agreeing walla)

ANGLE ON BUZZRA

97. BUZZRA
During the party at Buggelsville, when I sound the alarm, the takeover will begin.

ANGLE ON MEGAN
She stands with her hands on her hips.

98. MEGAN
Why that no good, phony bee! (slips)

Her foot slips on the dirt mountain, causing rocks and debris to fall.

				98-A. MEGAN
		Whoa! ... Waaa.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
He turns, seeing the intruder.

99. BUZZRA
Hmmm, it seems we have company.

CUT TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - STREETS - DAY
Megan starts running through the streets.

100. megan
(running efforts)

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
In the sky, spotting his target, then buzzing off.

WIDE ON STREET
Megan scurrying between giants, through sheep legs, under a stand in the market.

101. megan (CONT)
(more running efforts)

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
Following the same pattern and closing in fast.

ANGLE ON MEGAN
Still running when Buzzra scoops her up.

102. megan (CONT)
(reacts to being scooped up)

ANGLE ON BUZZRA/MEGAN IN SKY
Buzzra carries Megan high up in the air.

103. MEGAN (CONTD)
What are you going to do with Buggelsville? 

104. BUZZRA
Not for you to worry about, brave little Megan.  I’m taking you away so you can’t foul up my plan!

CUT TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - GARDEN - DAY
Buzzra with Megan buzzes through the garden and into the palace.

CUT TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - ESTHER'S ROOM - DAY
Esther prays by the window, head down, arms outstretched, palms up.  She does not notice the bee buzzing by carrying an ant.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA/MEGAN IN SKY
Buzzra hovers and drops Megan.

ANGLE ON clay POWDER JAR
Megan falls into a makeup powder clay jar with a POOF.

105. megan
(ad lib fall – then an exhale)

CLOSE ON MEGAN
Emerging from the powder, looking like a ghost.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
Perched on the rim, looking down.

106. BUZZRA
So sorry you'll miss the party.  But I can’t have you spoil the surprise.

Buzzra pushes the lid down.

ANGLE ON ESTHER
Still praying, not noticing the laughing bee flying past her.

107. BUZZRA
(laughs)

ANGLE ON MEGAN
Wiping the powder off her face and sitting.

108. MEGAN
Now what? (screaming) Hellllp!

WIDE ON ROOM

109. megan (vo/cont)
Hellllp!

Megan's screams are muted and barely discernible as we WIDEN to reveal Esther still praying.

ANGLE ON ESTHER
Lifting her head heavenward.

110. ESTHER
Lord, I know it’s up to me to approach the King. (BEAT) Please give me the courage to go through with it

CUT TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - WALL - DAY
CLOSE on Buzzra's hand pulling the “door bell” on the secret door.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA AND HIS GANG
All of them facing forward.  Buzzra, flashing a smile, looks back at his cohorts who are all grumpy looking, each carrying a seed or flower petal.

111. BUZZRA
Let's go guys.  Liven it up.  This is a party.  Smile!

111-a.bee gang
(ad lib grumbling) (BEAT) (ad lib “smiling” sounds)

The dour group does its best, with forced toothless grins.

ANGLE ON ANTONI
As he opens the door.

112. ANTONI
Welcome.  Come on in.

Buzzra walks in and gestures to his bee friends. They fly in, past him and Antoni.  The last bee (about 12 of them) flies in.  Buzzra gestures for Antoni to go ahead of him.

113. BUZZRA
After you.

Antoni walks ahead.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
Now alone, he puts his seed in the door, jamming it open.

CUT TO:

INT. PERSIA - PALACE - ESTHER'S ROOM - DAY
Esther stops praying and crosses to a small table.  She speaks to herself.

114. esther
First, I’ve got to look presentable if I’m going to see the King.

ANGLE ON JAR
As Megan tries to jump up the sides of the slick jar.  It's no use.  She sneezes, blowing powder into her face.

115. MEGAN
(jumping efforts – pause) Ahhhhchhhhoooo!

CLOSE ON MEGAN
Sitting, saddened by her predicament.

116. MEGAN (CONT)
I have to get out of here!.  (sneezing) Ahhhhchhhhoooo!

Suddenly everything starts shaking.

117. MEGAN (CONT)
What is that?

ANGLE ON JAR
As Esther lifts it into the air, popping open the lid.

CLOSE ON MEGAN
Tossing and turning in the powder.

ANGLE ON ESTHER
Raising a small cloth to the jar and shaking out some powder.

CLOSE ON MEGAN
Tumbling out of the jar and onto the cloth.

CLOSE ON ESTHER
Raising the cloth of powder to her face.

CLOSE ON MEGAN
Seeing her predicament she jumps.

118. megan (CONT)
(jumps)

ANGLE ON ESTHER'S HAIR
As Megan grabs a strand of hair and slides down to the table top.

CLOSE ON ESTHER
Powdering her face and rubbing the make up in.

ANGLE ON MEGAN
On the table top, sighing with relief.

119. MEGAN (CONT)
Whew! I only hope I'm not too late.

Megan speeds off.

CUT TO:

INT. BUGGELSVILLE - STREETS - DAY
WIDE ON the party scene, tables with bugs and bees sitting at them all.  Each decorated with flowers and filled with food and drink.  At a main table sits Buzzra, Antoni, Mayor Green and an empty seat.  LAUGHTER and TALK fill the air.

120. bug CITIZENS
(party walla)

ANGLE ON antoni AND mayor green

121. mayor green
Antoni, have you seen our guest of honor?
on antoni
122. ANTONI
No, I don’t know where Megan is.  You go ahead and introduce Buzzra. Hopefully Megan will be here soon.

ANGLE ON MAYOR GREEN
Mayor Green nods and stands to make an announcement.

123. MAYOR GREEN
Friends of Buggelsville, honored guests, our new friend Buzzra would like to say something.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA AT TABLE

124. BUZZRA
Fellow citizens of Buggelsville, you are too kind.

CUT TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - GARDEN - DAY
Megan scurries across the garden, sucking wind.

125. megan
(running, winded)

CUT TO:

INT. BUGGELSVILLE - STREETS - DAY
WIDE ON PARTY

126. BUZZRA
I thank you for your gracious hospitality and most delicious food. And can only add ---

CLOSE ON BUZZRA
A devilishly look enters his eyes.

127. BUZZRA (CONT)
that I will enjoy being your new king.  

ANGLE ON MAYOR GREEN
Who looks up, wondering what that meant.

128. MAYOR GREEN
Our what?

ANGLE ON wally/DEX/GINA

129. wally/roderick/DEX
Huh?

ANGLE ON PRISSY/IGGY
Raising her hand.

130. PRISSY
Pardon me, but I do believe you said "king."

ANGLE ON BUZZRA

131. BUZZRA
(mocking her in a Southern accent)
You heard right, sweet thing.

Blowing a BUZZ HORN which sounds much like a kazoo.

CUT TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - WALL - DAY
Megan is just feet away from the entrance.  The BUZZ HORN sound travels out of the entrance.

ANGLE ON SWARM
Buzzing in mid-air, in formation, ready to attack.  They hear the sound.  The first bee waves them in.  They dive.

ANGLE ON ENTRANCE
In a flash, 30 BEES buzz in.  At just that instant, Megan arrives...too late.

CUT TO:

INT. BUGGELSVILLE - STREETS - DAY
The party is being trashed.  Bees throw things or cause simple mayhem.

CUT TO:

EXT. BUGGELSVILLE - GINA'S STORE - DAY
Items fly out the front.  Inside we hear Gina's voice.

132. GINA (V.O.)
What are you...oh stop that...put that down...I just got those in!

Gina flies out next and lands on her bottom.

133. GINA (CONT'D)
(impact) Ooooooooooooo!

CUT TO:

EXT. BUGGELSVILLE - STREETS - DAY
ANGLE ON BUZZRA
Hovering in mid-air.

134. BUZZRA
From this day forward, dis town will be known as Beesville!

WIDE ON STREETS
As the BEES, grouped together, acknowledge the speech with a CHEER!  In another group stands the bugs.

135. bees
(cheering walla)

ANGLE ON MAYOR GREEN/PRISSY/WALLY/GINA/WEBSTER/SPUD/IGGY
All huddled together, out numbered, overpowered and not cheering.

ANGLE ON ANTONI USING A HANG GLIDER
Antoni flies in with a hang glider.

136. ANTONI
Look out!

ANGLE ON BEE GANG
A Bee takes off towards him.

ANGLE ON ANTONI AND HANG GLIDER
The bee easily buzzes through the glider's wings, tearing them.  Antoni spins out of control.

137. antoni (cont)
(reaction: spins out of control with impact)

ANGLE ON GROUND
The hang glider crashes in a heap on the ground.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA AND BEE GANG

138. bees
(hysterical laughter)

WIDE ON BUGGELSVILLE
Pulling out from the streets to reveal Megan watching every thing from the distance.  Her mouth drops, dumbfounded.

139. MEGAN
Oh no! Buzzra’s really done it!  He’s taken over Buggelsville! 

FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - GARDEN - DAY
ANGLE ON ROCK
A stick draws in the dirt.  A crude drawing of her friends.

140. MEGAN (V.O.)
(to herself) Here's Buggelsville.

WIDEN TO REVEAL a crude drawing of a swarm of bees.

141. MEGAN (V.O.) (CONT)
Here’s the huge swarm of bees.

The stick draws a Megan figure off to the side.

142. MEGAN (CONT)
And here's me.

After a beat, Megan crosses her picture off.

ANGLE ON MEGAN
Megan sits, defeated, her head resting on her hand.  She SIGHS, pondering her situation.

143. MEGAN (CONT)
(sigh) I'm only one little ant up against a big, angry swarm.  

She throws the stick away.

144. MEGAN (CONT)
Why did I end up here in the first place? And what can I do to help?

Megan stands, but notices Esther enter the garden.

ANGLE ON ESTHER
Entering the garden area.

ANGLE ON MORDECAI
Hiding behind a pillar, in the shadows, he PSSTS to get Esther's attention.

145. mordecai
Psst.

ANGLE ON ESTHER AND MORDECAI
Mordecai crosses to Esther.

146. MORDECAI (cont)
Where are you going?

147. ESTHER
To the king. To ask him not to kill our people.

148. MORDECAI
And you know that if you enter the king's presence without being called, you yourself can be killed.

149. ESTHER
I know, but I must do something.

Esther continues forward.  Mordecai grabs her arm to stop her.

OTS ESTHER ON MORDECAI

150. MORDECAI
I’m proud of you, Esther.  I believe that God has made you queen for such a time as this.  This is your purpose.

OTS MORDECAI ON ESTHER
She leans in and kisses Mordecai on the cheek.

151. Mordecai (cont)
I pray that the King extends his gold scepter to you.  Only then you’ll know that he won’t punish you.

152. ESTHER
Good-bye, Uncle Mordecai.

ANGLE ON MEGAN
Megan watches.

ANGLE ON MORDECAI AND ESTHER
As Mordecai departs into the shadows.  She takes a breath, then proceeds forward.

ANGLE ON MEGAN
The wheels are turning in her head.  It's making sense.

153. MEGAN
That’s it!  Maybe I’ve also ended up here for a purpose!  If she can talk to the Giant King, well, I can talk to Buggelsville’s new King bee!

CUT TO:

INT. PERSIA - PALACE - THRONE ROOM - DAY
The king sits at his throne signing documents as Servant Man removes the signed documents.

ANGLE ON HAAMAN
Sitting on a big plush pillow, gorging on a piece of fruit.

ANGLE ON PALACE ENTRANCE
Esther enters the courts.

ANGLE ON THE KING
He looks up, fire in his eyes.

154. KING XERXES
What?!  Who dares enter my presence without being invited?

ANGLE ON DOOR
The closed door is in the shadows.  A person's outline can been seen.  As she steps forward, the light reveals Esther.  The Two Guards step forward on both sides of her.

ANGLE ON THE KING AND HAAMAN
Haaman slides up next to the king.

155. KING XERXES (cont)
(continuing; shocked) 
Queen Esther.  What are you...why have you charged in here?

156. HAAMAN
You know the rules, o great King.  Even the queen must follow them.  Have her taken away and put to death.

ANGLE ON ESTHER AND GUARDS
The guards grab her arms, ready to escort her away.

ANGLE ON KING
Studying her, obviously taken by her beauty. He holds the scepter in his hands. [design note: the scepter is topped with a figure of a ram with it's front legs tucked under it's chest]

157. KING XERXES
Wait.

ANGLE ON HIS GOLD SCEPTER
Slowly he extends it in her direction.

ANGLE ON ESTHER AND THE GUARDS
Esther awaits the king's next words.  The guards back off.

ANGLE ON KING
A smile creeps on to his face.

158. KING XERXES (cont)
(softening) Whatever she has to say was important enough to enter unannounced.  Come forward, my Queen.

ANGLE ON ESTHER AND KING
She walks right up to King Xerxes.

159. KING XERXES (cont)
What is it you want? Up to half my kingdom if you desire.  Please, ask me for anything.

ANGLE ON ESTHER

160. ESTHER
Thank you, your majesty.

CUT TO:

INT. BUGGELSVILLE - STREETS - DAY
WIDE ON CITY
As chaos and destruction resumes.

ANGLE ON A GROUP OF BEES
Laughing and drinking honey.

161. beeS
(boisterous walla)

ANGLE ON MAKESHIFT THRONE
Buzzra sits on a broken clay jar that is being used as a throne.  TWO BEE GUARDS stand at both sides of him.  Buzzra points and laughs at all the DESTRUCTION going on off screen.

162. buzzra
(laughs)

ANGLE ON WEBSTER
Sadly watching all the mayhem.  He SIGHS.  A hand reaches in, grabs his leg and pulls him behind a rock.

163. WEBSTER
(Sigh – BEAT) What...!

ANGLE ON BUGS
Mayor Green, Antoni, Prissy, Iggy, Roderick, Dex, Wally, Spud all sit in a group, dejected and depressed.  Gina walks up.

164. GINA
Does anybody have the name of a good bee exterminator?
on mayor green

165. MAYOR GREEN
Antoni, have you seen Megan yet?

ANGLE ON BUGS

166. ANTONI
No, I’m really starting to worry about her.  I hope she’s okay.

ON IGGY
Iggy looks off screen.

167. IGGY
Hey, guys!  Look! There’s no need to worry!

ANGLE ON MEGAN
Walking very determined toward the camera.  

ANGLE ON BUGS
All look up, excited to see their friend.

168. ANTONI
Hey, Megan!  Where ya been!?

Megan, extremely focused, passes right by in the foreground.  Everyone watches her go, wondering why she didn't respond.
on iggy

169. IGGY
Wow, what's with her?
wider on mayor green & iggy

170. mayor green
(chuckles) Whatever it is, she’s an ant on a mission!

WIDE ANGLE ON THRONE
A path leads up to a small hill where Buzzra's throne sits high above the city.

ANGLE ON BUGS

171. antoni
She’s heading straight to Buzzra!

ANGLE ON MEGAN
Making her way toward the throne.

ANGLE ON BEE GUARDS
Looking to each other, then stepping forward.

ANGLE ON MEGAN
Still walking, until the Bee Guards step forward and pick her off her feet, pulling her backwards.

172. MEGAN
Let go of me!  I must talk to Buzzra!  

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
Leaning forward, curious.

173. BUZZRA
What is it that you have to say to me, the King of Beesville?

ANGLE ON MEGAN AND BEE GUARDS
She pulls herself free from the Guard's grip.

174. MEGAN
(sweetly) Well, since you asked.(full volume) GET OUT OF OUR TOWN!

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
Taken aback.

ANGLE ON THE BUGS

175. bug crowd
(group gasp)

GASPING and also shocked at Megan's tactic.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
His shock turns to anger.

176. BUZZRA
Guards, take her away.

ANGLE ON MEGAN AND GUARDS
As they lift her off her feet.  Kicking and fighting, Megan shouts out to Buzzra.

177. MEGAN
You can't do this to me!  I saved your life!

The guards stop and turn.

ANGLE ON BEES
They stop their laughing and also turn.

178. bees
(laughter then suddenly stop)

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
Cornered and not wanting that information public.

179. BUZZRA
Silence her!

ANGLE ON MEGAN

180. MEGAN
Oh, don't you want anyone to know that a puny little ant saved your life?

ANGLE ON BUZZRA

181. BUZZRA
Guards!  Silence her I said!

ANGLE ON MEGAN

182. MEGAN
That you were kicking and screaming because you were caught in a web and afraid that big ol' spider was gonna eat you.

ANGLE ON BEES
Bee Member 2 stands.

183. BEE MEMBER 2
Is this true, Buzzra?

ANGLE ON BUZZRA

184. BUZZRA
A spider?  Come on.

ANGLE ON MEGAN

185. MEGAN
(impersonating Buzzra)
"Heeeellllp me!  Heeeeellllp me!"

ANGLE ON BEES
They begin to snicker at Buzzra.

186. bees
(snickers, laughter)

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
Steaming, he leaps off his throne.

187. BUZZRA
SILENCE!  I’m the king!  Do you think I’d be afraid of a (gulp) spider?

ANGLE ON MEGAN

188. MEGAN
Let me refresh your memory. 

Megan looks UP and OS and gestures.

ANGLE ON WEBSTER AND BUZZRA
Webster suddenly drops down on a spider web behind Buzzra.  He taps him on the shoulder.  Buzzra turns.

189. WEBSTER
(yells) Ah!

Buzzra SCREAMS and jumps off screen.

190. buzzra
(screams)

ANGLE ON BUZZRA AND MEGAN
Buzzra jumps into Megan's arms.

191. BUZZRA (CONT)
Heeeeellllp me!  Oh, he’s gonna eat me!

ANGLE ON WEBSTER
Trying his best to be scary.  Making GHOSTLY sounds and waving his arms.

192. WEBSTER
Ooogalee-ooogalee!

ANGLE ON BUZZRA
193. BUZZRA
AHHHHHHHHHHH!

ANGLE ON BEES

195. BEE MEMBER 3
Huh, he’s not so tough after all!

WIDE ON SCENE
Antoni, Mayor Green, Webster and Iggy stand arms crossed, ready to fight.

196. ANTONI
Yeah, but we are!

197. BEE MEMBER 2
Maybe we oughta buzz out of here.

All bees AGREE and buzz off.

198. BEEs
(agreeing walla)

ANGLE ON ENTRANCE
The bees fly out the entrance.

ANGLE ON BUZZRA AND MEGAN
Defeated, he hangs his head, jumping out of Megan's arms.

199. MEGAN
Buzzra, I think it’s time for you to buzz off too!

ANGLE ON BUZZRA PLEADING

200. BUZZRA
Look, I'm sorry.  Maybe I could just stay in a little house? I won’t make any trouble.

Webster pokes his head into frame.

201. WEBSTER
Boo.

Buzzra SCREAMS and flies off.

202. buzzra
(screams)

ANGLE ON ENTRANCE
As Buzzra follows the swarm through the entrance.

203. BUZZRA
Hey guys, guys, I was just kidding about being scared!  Hey wait up!

ANGLE ON ALL BUGS
All their eyes focused on Megan.

204. MAYOR GREEN
Let's hear it for Megan!

205. BUG CITIZENS
Whoooopppeee!  Yeah!  Megan! (cheering walla)

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - GARDEN - DAY
Two guards drag Haaman out of the palace.

206. HAAMAN
King Xerxes, allow me to explain!  I was trying to help you.

King Xerxes, Esther and Mordecai step out of the palace.
ANGLE ON XERXES, ESTHER, MORDECAI

207. KING XERXES
Mordecai, you should be very proud of your niece.  She did a brave thing for your people. When I signed that law, I didn’t know it could hurt my Queen.

208. MORDECAI
I am proud, your highness.  More than you can imagine.  I think there was a reason she was your queen.

209. KING XERXES
And, as for you, Mordecai, it just so happens that I have an opening for a personal advisor. If you’re interested.

210. MORDECAI
Oh, I'd consider it an honor.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. BUGGELSVILLE - STREETS - DAY
WIDE ON STREET
A new party, this time for Megan as the guest of honor. Webster sits next to Megan.  Megan stands.

211. bug CITIZENS
(party walla that trails off to silence)

ANGLE ON MEGAN
Quieting down the crowd.

212. MEGAN
You didn't have to do this for me.  I didn’t do that much.

ANGLE ON ANTONI

213. ANTONI
You saved Buggelsville!

214. bug CITIZENS
(agreement walla)

ANGLE ON MEGAN

215. MEGAN
What I mean is, sometimes you’re out in the right place at the right time. And it was my right time to help Buggelsville.

ANGLE ON WALLY AND RODERICK

216. WALLY
Megan’s right! I know I’m here at this party for a special purpose.

217. RODERICK
What, pray tell, is that?

218. WALLY
TO EAT!

Wally dives into his food.  Roderick scowls.

ANGLE ON ALL
LAUGHING at Wally's gluttonous ways and beginning the celebration.

219. bug CITIZENS
(warm, hearty laughter)

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. PERSIA - PALACE - GARDEN - DAY
Esther, Mordecai and servants are in the palace garden.

220. NARRATOR (V.O.)
Because of Esther's bravery, she saved her people and served as Queen for many years to come.
THE END